Garrett Quads

Jane

2011-09-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Jane Garrett

Nickname: Janie, Janie Jane

Words Used to Describe You: nurturing, mother hen, talkative, high maintenance, girly girl, particular, sweet, people pleaser, happy, good listener, helpful, dramatic, observant

Dear Jane,

You have short curly brown hair and big blue-green eyes. You are the shortest of your brothers and sisters and weigh in at twenty-five pounds. You are extremely verbal and were the first to be able to carry on a conversation. You pick up the phrases that your daddy and I use often and pull them out when the opportunity presents itself. Last night when I told you it was time to go to sleep you said, “Ummm…how ‘bout one more Dora.” When I ask you where something is, you might say, “It’s in my bedroom I bet.” You are a little mama to your siblings. You are always checking up on them and asking about them. You like to tell them you love them. You are a big helper to your mama. You are good about picking up your toys or bringing things to me when I need them. You know the order of events and all of the routines that we have from day to day, and like to talk about your family. You like to talk it out with me, always making sure that you have it just right. You are a happy girl who likes to play with dolls, dance and laugh. You are mature for your age and I am able to explain things to you and you understand and accept the explanation. You were a breeze to potty train because you like to do things that “big girls” do. You can be very high maintenance, especially at bedtime. Before you go to bed peacefully, you demand a list of items. Pink socks, “lil baby”, Penny, water, doggy, pink jacket, froggy, and “Coley blanket” are just a few of the things that we run around the house looking for so that you will go to sleep. When we give you these things, you tuck them down under your blanket and then pull the comforter over your head to fall asleep. We often sneak in and remove at least half of it before we go to sleep and we are trying to teach you to narrow it down. We give you two options and you choose one. This sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. The truth is, it’s just a stall technique you use to stay up longer. You love to eat and take your time when you do. It drives your siblings crazy when they quickly gobble up their cookie at snack and you are still nibbling away at yours. I have a hard time convincing them it’s still your first one. You are a big hoarder too, and sneak their snacks away when you can. You are a girly girl and love all things pink. We’ve started talking a little about Christmas and when I asked you what you wanted Santa to bring you, you said presents. When I asked what kind, you said, “pink ones.” You badly want a ponytail, but don’t have enough hair yet. You are such a smart, funny and loving little girl. We love you so much!

Love,

Mama

Broox

2011-08-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

Broox Gray Garrett IV

Nicknames: Brooxy, Buddy

Words Used to Describe You: one track mind, busy, intense, creative, imaginative, loving, tender, ticklish, inquisitive, mechanic, focused

Dear Broox,

You are 29 pounds with not one, but two cowlicks. You have big chocolate brown eyes, and you are still the largest of your brother and sisters. You already remind me so much of your daddy. Everything from the way that you walk to your quiet focus and determination. You love any tool or machine. You sometimes bring me things and ask me to turn them on, even if they aren’t electronic. In your world, everything should move or make a noise. You are busy all the time and like to work. You are constantly “blowing” our house with a toy you have flipped over to look like a leaf blower. You are obsessed with vacuums. We have started telling you that daddy takes it to work every day, which works until you find it’s new hiding place. You always find it! You are very good at solving problems and think of ways to escape or climb out of and onto anything. You know all the things that we don’t want you to have or touch and make a b-line for them whenever the opportunity arises. Whenever you get really quiet we know we better find you quickly. You don’t seem to care too much about getting our praise, you just want to do the things that you want to do without us interfering. You like to play with your trucks and trains, but also have a very soft spot for baby dolls and stuffed animals. I love to watch you wrap a baby up in a blanket and rock it while you sing. I love to watch you kiss your dog on the head and pet his back. (His tail also serves as a vacuum hose J ) You have wonderful hugs that make you shake from squeezing so hard, and you give big wet kisses right on the mouth. You like to check on your brother and sisters when they are crying with a pat on the back, a hug, or just by asking…”okay Ginia?” Unfortunately, you cause some of the crying when you take toys away or push. You are no stranger to time out, and sometimes just have to have some space to calm down. You are the most ticklish child. You break out into a fit of laughter from a poke on your tummy. You also think silly things on t.v. are funny, like someone slipping down or something dropping on someone’s head. Dora the Explorer is your favorite show and you love your Dora doll. I like to listen to you answer all of her questions and point to the t.v. You are talking a lot now, and its fun to finally hear all of the thoughts that have been going through your head. You are such a sweet and unique boy!

Love,

Mama

Rainer

2011-08-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

James Rainer Garrett

Nicknames: Rain Rain, Rainy

Words Commonly Used to Describe You: sweet, flirty, funny, cuddly, sensitive, clingy, comedian, talkative, mischievous, shy, attention lover

Dear Rainer,

You are now 25 pounds with copper red hair and one dimple in your right cheek. You have a wonderful and mature sense of humor. I love to get you in a giggle fit, because when you laugh, it’s impossible not to laugh along. You love to be a clown and will repeat your actions over and over again if your siblings are getting a kick out of it. Sometimes you like to sing, talk or jibber jabber out loud and move your arms and legs like you are performing on a stage. I usually just catch you doing it by yourself and you smile at me like you’ve let me in on a secret. Other times, especially around new people, you can be very shy. You love to be held. You can be clingy and don’t like to share my lap with your brother or sisters, which is tough when you’re from a set of quads. Lately, you’ve even told me to “sit down!” so that you could crawl in my lap. Sometimes when you are in a bad mood, you have a hard time getting out of it. You become very sensitive and need your blankie. Your blankie is your favorite thing. You need it to sleep, and it can instantly calm you down. You are a great sleeper, but often get woken up by your rowdy brother. You never seem to mind too much though, and love to play with Broox. You and Broox are in the habit of moving the furniture in your room around and swapping beds during naptime. Sometimes you watch Broox and follow his lead on what to do. When you are by yourself, you sometimes seem a little unsure, but you love the one on one attention. You talk all the time…loudly! You probably talk the most, but I don’t always understand what you say yet. I know you get tired of me asking you to repeat words, but I always figure it out in the end. You are like a little parrot copying everything we say. Sometimes you are mischievous and have to go to time out, but your cute and flirty smile usually gets you off the hook in the end. You are crazy about snacks and ask for them multiple times a day. You like to open the pantry door and get into the potato chips. I have to laugh when I find you up to your shoulder in a bag of Tostitos. You like hamburgers and pancakes best of all. You are so special to me and I love you very much!

Love,

Mama

Toddlers: Virginia

2011-07-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

I thought it was time to once again highlight each of the quads. Now that they have reached the two-year mark, their personalities are more evident than ever and we always marvel at how unique they are. I often inquire about what Gray and I were like as toddlers to our parents, looking to find some similarities in behavior. I hope that one day the quads will be able to look back at these profiles and get to know themselves at two. It will be interesting to see if much has even changed.

Virginia Katherine Garrett

Your nicknames: Gin Gin, Ginny Kate, Gi-Gi (this is the name that Jane has given her and the boys fell in line)

Words commonly used to describe you: free-spirited, independent, nature lover, care free, stubborn, dancer, music lover, self soother, cozy, observant, expressive

Dear Virginia,

You are a petite 22-pound ball of energy with bouncy ringlets. You are a fantastic dancer! You never miss a chance to shake your groove thing, and have loved music every since you were a baby. I love to watch you change your motions and expressions with the song that is playing. You like to hop or gallop everywhere you go, and one of your favorite games is pretending to be different animals. You only stop moving when you are sleepy or need a little cuddle time with Annabelle (your lovey.) You like feeling different textures and you melt when you feel something very soft. Anabelle and Lil’ Lamb are your favorites. You can count to ten now, but you often skip three, four and five. I guess you think that 1,2,6,7,8,9,10 has a better ring to it. You love to sing the ABCs and Old MacDonald. Your favorite animal is a sheep. You hate to put on your pajamas at night and prefer a “pretty dress” or bathing “soup” to anything else. You love to go swimming, but dislike a bath most of the time. Your favorite food is pasta and I’m always amazed at how quickly it disappears from your plate. You are a big talker and you love to ask questions. The first things you ask in the morning are usually, “Boys are sleeping?” or “Daddy at work?” You are expressive, joyful, and love to have a good time. You can also be dramatic when things don’t go your way. Sometimes you have tantrums and other times you sigh and drop your arms to your side, while making a pouty face. A new phrase you like to use is “I not like it!” You love little details and often point them out in books and on television. You love a good movie. You can be found outside collecting tiny rocks and flowers. You love to give hugs and kisses, and enjoy playing with your siblings. You have a great smile and a contagious laugh. You already have a special bond with your sister in the way that you communicate and interact. I love watching you grow!

Love,

Mama

Four on the Beach!

2011-07-11T07:19:00.001-07:00

The quads and the Garrett/Kirkman family enjoyed a great week at Folly Beach

near Charleston. Jane, Broox, Virginia and Rainer enjoyed exploring on the beach!

Summer Fun!

2011-06-23T09:49:00.001-07:00

Virginia is a little "wet head" after jumping off the dock!

Broox enjoys driving the boat!

Lizzie and Broox enjoy the outing! Love this photo!

Rainer loves a boat ride in Uncle Charlie's lap. The quads get very sleepy on a boat ride!

Helping Papa and Uncle Charlie fill up the boat with gas for our next outing!

The quads take turns visiting family in Brewton. It was Virginia's turn and this video

shows her return to quadville after being gone for almost a week! Jane, Rainer and

Broox were so glad to have her home and I think Virginia was quite happy too!

Boating on the Lake is SO MUCH FUN!

2011-05-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

Broox, Virginia, Jane and Rainer had a great time this weekend riding on

Papa's boat on Lake Martin. So glad that summer is almost here!

Quads Visit Mama's School

2011-04-21T12:25:00.001-07:00

We have waited a long time to go visit Mama at school and meet Mrs. Garrett's

5th grade class. Honey and Annie were in town so we planned a trip during their recess time.

Virginia decided to write some lesson plans for Mama while visiting her school!

Mama's 5th graders sure were sweet to share their

playground and their play time with the quads! What a great looking group!

Can you find all 4 quads in this picture?

Where is Broox?

Virginia loved playing with the big girls!

Broox was ready to show these 5th graders how he can slide all by himself!

Broox was having a hard time staying still for the photo, he wanted to slide!

Jane visiting with the girls!

Rainer enjoyed chatting with Mama's students but didn't

want to get too far away from her!

Virginia on the other hand.......was everywhere!

Annie and Honey enjoyed swinging with Rainer and Jane!

Thanks 5th graders for a wonderful visit!

Miss Princess (Virginia) and Rainer enjoying a little THUMB! Broox is too

busy to even notice the camera......it is all about the trucks!

Jane is usually shy and turns from the camera but I caught a cute one this time!

Broox loves tools, trucks and playing in his fort....all boy!

Virginia loves the slide outside and collecting rocks in her butterfly net!

Rainer is such a BIG boy! He loves to read books and play outside!

Please Vote: Magazine Cover Contest

2011-03-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

The quads are in a fierce race for the April cover of Alabama Baby & Child magazine. They are still in second place, but falling behind. The contest lasts until Tuesday and we need more votes.

Please go to the link below and "like" the magazine first. Click on the pic

ture of the Garrett Quads and "like."

Alabama Baby & Child Cover Contest

Here is the picture to look for. Thank you so much for your vote!

The Garrett Quads are TWO!

2011-02-20T16:38:00.000-08:00

2nd Birthday Weekend!

We had a great time this weekend celebrating our 2nd birthday with our family in Brewton.

We were born February 23rd but went ahead and partied this weekend.

Thank goodness we had such wonderful weather and were able to stay outside most of the time.

We had a "Farm" party because we all LOVE farm animals.

Our Great-Grandmother made our beautiful and yummy Farm Cake!

A little help from Mom blowing out our candles!

Take a look at our new shiny rides!

Virginia and Jane enjoying cake and ice cream!

It is hard to believe that just two short years ago we had tiny two and

three pound babies, ............look at us now!

The beautiful setting for our Farm Party!

Having fun flying the helicopter!

Broox is all smiles about turning two!

Fun with Aunt Carrie! She married our Uncle Robert in October!

Virginia is inspecting Aunt Katie's earrings!

Katie is marrying our Uncle Marshall this summer!

All of the quads have so many expressions.......here is one of Rainer's!

I'm two and even in a big girl swing! (Jane)

Jane knows all about cameras now and has decided not to look or smile!

We are hoping this stage will end soon!

It is very hard to get all four in a photo with two year olds.

Some of us have minds of our own!

Who Me?

All good things must come to an end! We had a great time with our family and

want to thank everyone for sharing this special time with us!

Bet we had a few strange looks traveling north on the interstate!

Happy Birthday to Broox, Jane, Virginia and Rainer, we love you all so much!

Southern Snow and Pre-Birthday Fun!

2011-02-11T19:40:00.000-08:00

Virginia, Rainer, Jane and Broox

We received early birthday presents in the mail from our

good friend Mary. She even got them in our favorite colors!

Turn the music up loud and we can "Go to Town!" THANKS Mary!

(Video coming soon!)

Broox, Rainer, Jane, Virginia and Honey

Southern snow is very rare......not so much this year. This is about our

third snow and it never gets old. So beautiful, but so cold! We are

looking forward to warmer days so we can play outside!

Virginia, Rainer, Jane and Broox

What a special treat! The mailman not only delivers the mail, he also delivers

yummy green suckers to good little girls and boys!

What a Difference a Year Makes!

2011-01-29T15:41:00.000-08:00

Broox, Virginia, Jane and Rainer Garrrett - Jan. '10

Rainer, Virginia, Jane and Broox Garrett - Jan. '11

Happy New Year Everyone!

First Post of the New Year

2011-01-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

Jane, Broox, Rainer and Virginia love bath time together.

Broox spent a few days in Eufaula with Annie, Chuck and Baxter.

Rainer loves spending time outside.

Jane enjoys her special cartoon time.

Virginia loves Grandmama's "Yellow Soup" (custard).

The quads' favorite book, Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes.

Broox steering the ship on their new backyard playset.

Pal finally got his time to shine......WAR EAGLE!

22 months

2010-12-18T10:51:00.001-08:00

In less than a week the crew will be 22 months old. They are inching closer and closer to two and we are reminded daily. Recently, Rainer drew a masterpiece on our hallway wall, Broox is cutting his 2 year molars and has reverted back to waking up at 5:00 a.m., Jane hates bedtime more than ever and Virginia loves brushing her newly washed hair with her greasy fork each night at dinner. They are beginning to want to do things by themselves, and are often frustrated by what they cannot yet do. They are fast, and our main job now seems to be "coraling" them.

On the upside we are amazed daily with the new words we hear and the way they understand and communicate with us. I love watching them pretend to stir up soup and feed it to us, have an imaginary conversation on a cell phone, clean the table with a rag, or make the truck noise as they push it. They love to play chase down the hallway. They have become fantastic dancers and singers too! I can make out the songs they are singing now. Their favorite are The Wheels on the Bus and Old McDonald.

At the end of the day we are exhausted, but know that this special age will be here and gone in no time.

2010-12-13T18:18:00.003-08:00

Swing Set

2010-12-13T18:15:00.001-08:00

The Quads have been enjoying their new swing set. Gray and Papa built it for them and they are crazy about it. When I got home from work today, they brought me their coats, insisted I put them on, and motioned to the backyard. Unfortunately it has been much too cold to go out. Hopefully it will warm up a little this week so they can swing their little hearts out!

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Happy Halloween!

2010-10-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

A New Favorite

2010-09-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

If you can't already tell from the picture above, the quads get really excited about going to the splash pad at the zoo. It has become a weekend favorite for the crew. They love the freedom of getting out of the stroller and running around. Virginia and Rainer were hesitant about getting in the water the first time we went, but now they love it! They enjoy watching and running with the other children at the zoo, and it's been the best way to be outside and stay cool during these dog days of summer. Here are some pictures from our latest visit to the splash pad.

Rainer's ready to go!

It was so tough to get a picture with everyone in one shot, but you can see them all here.

Rainer dodging the water spouts.

Virginia having fun.

Where did it go?

Broox likes to run around the perimeter.

Rainer and Virginia

Loving it!

Tutus, the zoo, and a splash pad. It doesn't get much better than that.

Run, run, run!

Virginia waiting for the water.

This is the look we got when we told her that we had to load up.

Beach Week 2010

2010-07-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

On July 3rd we made our way to Charleston, South Carolina. Lizzie's family has been meeting for a week at Folly Beach for years. This was the first beach trip for the babies and the longest distance they have ever traveled. We weren't sure how they would do on an eight hour drive. We made a game plan and got Lizzie and Papa to meet us at the 4 1/2 hour mark for a lunch break. The trip could not have gone any better. The babies were so well behaved! (The ride back was a completely different story, but we won't dwell on that. :))

When we got there the babies were anxious to get out and start exploring. As they became comfortable with their new environment and all of the fresh faces, they were giddy with excitement. The babies had a fantastic week with their family and enjoyed learning about the beach. We already can't wait until next year! Thank everyone so much for lending a helping hand with the babies. We couldn't have done it without y'all!

This was also the first trip for the quads' new first cousin Liles. Liles is Gray and Kirk's 2 month old. The babies are crazy about him. Every time he was around they pointed, rushed over and gave him hugs and kisses. They also like to point out his nose, eyes, and mouth. Liles is such a sweet boy that he isn't even bothered by all the touching. They are going to be great friends!

Rainer and me on picture night.

L to R: Marion and Lucy - The babies' great-aunts

The whole crew minus Pierce and Peter

Talking to the guests next door

We love the beach!

Jane

Broox

Rainer

Virginia

The new additions to beach week.

Our little family of 6

Virginia dancing to some tunes

Virginia with her sweet cousin Katie

Lovin on baby Liles

Group shot in the living area

Broox sporting his new sun hat

Watching the people on the beach

Jane really loved prissing around in her new hat.

Rainer amazed with all of the sand

Our beach set up

Daddy and Rainer

Rainer is the only one who enjoyed his shades at the beach. He knew he looked cool like his Papa.

Broox was thrilled with all of the freedom on the beach. We couldn't keep him away from the other beach goers. He made lots of friends!

First time in the ocean.

Checking out the waves for the first time.

Splashing!

The gorgeous house

Sleeping on the road

We're at the Beach!

2010-07-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

We're at the beach and having a blast! We will post soon, but just had to put up one picture of the quads at the beach. More to come...

What a Funny Game

2010-06-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

I caught the girls playing a game while I was getting the boys up from their nap. They were having a ball!

Good Times

2010-05-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

The babies really enjoy playing in their baby pool in the backyard. This is our set up.
Rainer
Broox getting in and out and in and out.

Come back Virginia!

Jane about to dive in.

Virginia will not let her knees touch the grass.

Virginia

Picnic at the park

What a little mess!

Unloading the diaper bag

Virginia showing off her walking skills

Thirsty Girls

Thinking about her next move

Sisters

Rainer

Getting a better look at the stroller

Picking flowers

Rainer in his new outfit.

Virginia

Jane

Virginia playing with her daddy.

Broox

Thanks to our handy dandy new stroller carrier, the babies have been making appearances all over the city. We can now load up and go with just one vehicle, rather than toting the stroller in one and the babies in the other. This is a huge change for us! We've been taking advantage of these beautiful spring days and making regular visits to the Birmingham Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, and Homewood Park. I shoot for an outing with the babies three days a week. On the other two days, we do strolls around the neighborhood. We have met lots of people, answered lots of questions, gotten lots of compliments and had our picture taken often. I think their favorite activity is going to the park and having a "picnic" on a quilt. We've dropped the morning nap so we go out for the morning and make it back home for lunch. As long as the babies are preoccupied, they like the new schedule. They now go down for a nap after lunch, and they usually sleep for around 2 1/2 hours.

Broox and Virginia are officially walkers! I see them choosing walking over crawling more and more. Jane and Rainer are doing a great job of standing up on their own and cruising. I think that by the end of the month, they will all be mobile on two feet. Scary thought! They are quicker and more curious every day. I can tell that they are beginning to understand more of what we say and they like to imitate sounds and gestures that Gray, the other babies and I make.

We've had a tough week because of teething and a virus. The babies are such great sleepers that Gray and I have a hard time dealing with getting up in the middle of the night now. I don't know how we made it through those sleepless months. Everyone slept last night and Jane is feeling much better.

Grandparents Picture Post

2010-05-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

Pal and Honey just want to share some pictures from the past 6 or 7 weeks.

Step Right Up for Your Train Ride!

2010-03-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of Broox pushing Virginia and Rainer on the train. Don't worry. Broox gets to ride too, but I think he enjoys pushing even more. Our only problem now is that we need a longer path.

What's Going On at 13 Months

2010-03-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

Jane

Jane is pulling up on everything and can let go and lower herself to the ground unaided. She loves to walk her baby buggy and the activity table around the playroom. She loves to get a ride on the train from her brother Broox. She sits and he pushes. The minute they hit a wall, she bounces up and down on the seat and cries for him to get going! (I have a video of this that I will post.) She has eight teeth and I have felt at least one molar ready to make its appearance soon. She still loves to have your undivided attention and is going through a little bit of a clingy stage. She does not like to be put down for a nap or bedtime. The upside is that she is thrilled to see you when you go and get her and loves to be cuddled, hugged and kissed. Whenever someone has her and she decides to go to someone else, she looks back at the person that had her originally to see how they react. She gets a really serious expression on her face like she is thinking that you must be really upset to have lost her. She has a big personality for such a little person. She has learned to roll a ball back and forth with me and gets a big kick out of it. She likes to babble and screech loudly. She knows how to wave and sometimes even does it to her brothers and sister.

Virginia giggling

Virginia is pulling up and standing alone at times. She can push around all of the walker toys that we have and can move pretty fast. She also likes rides on the train. Virginia spends a lot of time working on buttons, and switches. She likes the toy we have where the animals pop out of doors when you push and turn buttons and then she closes the doors as quickly as she can. She also likes to put the letter blocks into the slot on the train. Virginia loves soft plush animals that have ears. Whenever she finds one in the pile of toys in the playroom she grabs an ear and sticks her thumb in her mouth. She has done this since she was little and usually does it when she is tired. I've even caught her asleep on the playroom floor because it just felt that good. Virginia is very serious about the toys that she likes. There are a hand full of things that she likes to carry around with her for hours. If someone is able to pry it from her she gets very upset. Otherwise, she is a very easy going baby and always smiling. Virginia has six teeth so far.

Broox

Broox has the sweetest smile and loves to give hugs and get as close to you as he can. He and Rainer get a real kick out of each other. He is our closest to walking. He is spending more and more time just standing up on his own and has gotten very skilled at walking behind a walker. He used to just sit down when he hit a wall. Now he can step to the side, turn the walker around and push it the other way. He loves to push his siblings on the train and likes to ride as well. He takes any chance he gets to escape from the playroom. He prefers everyday things that adults use to any of his toys. He likes to open and shut doors and empty baskets and shelves. He is not scared of anything and tries everything first. He is so ticklish. He is doing well with his helmet and has made some progress. However, it looks like he will still need to wear it for a few more months. He likes to babble and make clicking sounds with his tongue. Broox also has eight teeth.

Rainer

Rainer has just started pulling up, but that has not slowed him down one bit. He is a fast crawler. Rainer likes picking toys out of a basket or bag and also likes being pushed on the train. He can make lots of different sounds and does a lot of babbling. He likes to wave and dance to the music on his toys. He still loves his 3:00 bottle although now it's a sippy cup. He is the most excited before meals, kicking his legs and bouncing in his seat. He has hilarious expressions and laughs a lot. He thinks his brother and sisters are very funny. Rainer has eight teeth and still has red hair. It looks really bright in the sunlight. He recently learned how to blow a little horn that we have. He had it in his mouth one day when he accidentally blew and a loud noise came out. He looked up at me laughed a little and then shyly buried his head in his lap. He's still bashful about it when the sound surprises him.

The babies love to attack the boppy mountain

It's still cold, but Spring weather is just around the corner! Hopefully we'll be putting up these jackets for good very soon.
Jane watching her daddy.

The boys decided to have a wrestling match.

Virginia checking out the squirrels in the tree branches.

We Are One!!!

2010-02-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

The babies had a fantastic birthday party in Brewton last weekend! They were surrounded by loving friends and family, who helped us celebrate their amazing first year. Here is a picture of the table we set up while the babies took a nap.

Rainer ready for his party

Virginia in her party dress made by Granny

Trying to get a shot of the quads all dressed up. They were too interested in the guests in the other room to look up.

Virginia, Broox, Jane, and Rainer: 1 Year Old

Digging in!

The whole fam! We've all come a long way.

Opening gifts

I hoped to get a great picture of the babies on their big day. Everyone was pretty tolerable, except for Jane. She wasn't having it.

Virginia is clapping for us...her new favorite trick.

The best we could do.

Daddy and Broox practicing walking. I don't think it will be too much longer.

Happy Birthday Virginia, Broox, Rainer and Jane! We love you so much and can't imagine our lives without you. We couldn't be more excited about what your second year will bring.

Snow Fun

2010-02-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

We had the most beautiful snow all day today. It's the most snow I've seen on the ground in Alabama in a long time. I noticed the babies watching the snow fall several times throughout the day, and when Gray got home from work we took them outside to experience it.

Broox took off crawling as soon as his legs touched the ground. He liked spreading the snow around a little before his mittens got too wet.

The girls just sat, watched the flakes fall, and took it all in.

Rainer was cold, wet and wanted to go inside.

We only stayed out long enough to snap a few pictures and let them feel the snow for a bit, but it was a lot of fun.

My Little Clown

2010-02-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

Rainer is such a funny boy. He has always made faces that make me laugh out loud, and his newest one did not disappoint. On this day, Broox laughed at him each time he did it. You can hear him cackle in the background at the very end.

Serious About Oral Hygiene

2010-02-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

Every night we brush the babies' teeth then we give them the toothbrushes and let them do some brushing on their own. They absolutely love it! I'm sure it has something to do with the sweet toddler toothpaste on the end of their brush. Watch how quiet, focused and happy they are in this video with their toothbrushes.

After they have brushed for a while, I take the toothbrushes back up and we start putting the quads down for the night. Watch and see their very different reaction.

I thought that maybe they were upset because they knew bedtime came after tooth brushing. I tried doing it in the morning and I got the same result. Those babies just love to brush!

Crawling Exploration

2010-02-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

The babies spend the cold winter days in the playroom and rarely venture beyond its gates. Today they did a little exploring in the house and I thought I would post a video so you could see them crawling. Rainer was busy playing with blocks so he didn't participate, but he was having fun. I was so happy that I was actually able to get a video to upload. I have lots to post so hopefully my good luck will continue. I don't know how to edit them yet, however, so this gets a little long if you're not a grandparent.

We're Back

2010-01-31T12:16:00.000-08:00

Daddy and babies right before bed.

Virginia at play

Pulling up on the fence is a new favorite.

The Girls

Bathtub fun! Jane, Rainer, Virginia, and Broox

This is how I always find them after naps.

It has been quite a while since my last blog, and the babies are in full swing. It has become very dificult to take a decent picture of each child and next to impossible to get all four. They are constantly moving and won't sit long enough for me to snap a photo. I tried taking them outside last week when the weather was a little nicer and after what seemed like a hundred takes, we didn't get a single winner. Here are just a few pictures, so you can get an idea of what they are looking like these days.

They are now 11 months. Jane, Broox and Virginia are still crawling and loving it. We have even seen Virginia and Broox let go and stand on their own for a couple of seconds at a time. Rainer is getting very close to crawling. He is rocking on his knees a lot and is beginning to pull himself forward a little.

The quads are getting a kick out of each other lately. I've caught them laughing and squealing at each other across the feeding table, through the playroom fence, from one crib to the other, in the bathtub, etc. I have never heard a sound more wonderful. Unfortunately, they also make each other cry from taking each others toys, pulling hair, and pushing each other down. It comes with the territory and for the most part they are all really tough and don't let it bother them too much. The other mothers of multiples assure me that they will learn to protect themselves and stay out of the way of others. For now, we are doing our best to keep them apart and kiss the bumps when they happen. Broox and Virginia are my little daredevils and will try anything, while Jane and Rainer are a little more cautious.

On the recommendation of my friend Heather (Three Lees in a Pod), we decided to try bathing all of the babies at the same time in the big tub. Thank you Heather, they love it! Gray and I were at the end of our rope with one baby at a time in the sink and it had become such a chore. Now we load all of the babies in, wash them and take turns prepping each one for bed. Virginia and Broox like to crawl around in the tub and we did have the domino effect on one occasion. Broox knocked over Rainer, then Rainer knocked over Jane and then Jane knocked over Virginia. There was a baby pile up but it didn't really phase any of them. Hopefully we will perfect it soon.

New Year Babies

2010-01-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from the Quads! The babies are 10 months old. Broox, Virginia and Jane are all crawling. The girls like to pull up to their knees and Broox is pulling up to standing on anything he can find. He even uses his brothers and sisters! Rainer still likes to sit and play, but he is also spending more and more time on his tummy. I noticed today that he was reaching for things and kicking his legs. They are into everything now and can get from one end of the room to the other in a flash. When I bring bottles in to the room, they start crawling towards me. They like piling up around a toy together and crawling over each others backs. They remind me so much of little kittens or puppies playing. I love seeing them enjoy each other. All of a sudden they can do so much themselves. As Gray put it the other night as he watched Jane rocking on her bike by herself, "This is going to be fun."

I had to include a few more that I thought were funny. Look at Jane's expression when she noticed Virginia's tiara. Broox is reaching for the tiara that Virginia stole from Jane. Rainer looks perfectly satisfied in his get-up, like he knows exactly what to do on the New Year.

Happy Babies.

Lots of teething going on.

You can see their red knees from all the crawling they are doing.

Katie and Marshall came to celebrate the New Year with us.

This is Broox in his new cranial band. He will be wearing this for the next few months in an effort to correct his plagiocephaly; a condition common in multiples. As his head grows, the band will help it become more symmetrical. He will have to wear it for 23 hours a day. It may take up to six months, but most likely it will be four or five. So far it doesn't seem to bother him at all, except when we put it on and take it off.

Broox loves to be on his bike. I think he looks like speed racer.

Broox keeps looking at himself in the mirror on the exersaucer. I think he's trying to figure out what's going on up there.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2009-12-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

Catching Up

2009-12-13T07:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some long overdue pictures from our Thanksgiving. I also included some pictures we took while trying to get a Christmas card photo. I will post the winner as soon as I get the cards out.

Rainer
VirginiaJane

Christmas P.J.s

Gray and Kirk helping us feed the babies supper at the farmhouse.

Broox taking a bath in the farmhouse sink.

Thanksgiving at my Aunt and Uncle's house on Pensacola Beach.Wes feeding Jane

Brooke holding Virginia.

The babies' first Thanksgiving dinner by the fire. They had sweet potatoes and applesauce.

Ryan, our cousin, introducing Broox to the beach for the first time.

Quads on the beach!

Having a great time with family.

Rainer meeting Baxter (Annie's dog)

Nine Months

2009-11-22T15:16:00.000-08:00

We took this most recent picture of the quads this afternoon. Look how big they are!

Waiting for breakfast

The girls are very patient.

Can you tell we're hungry?

Playtime in the morning

Virginia

So sleepy!

Virginia is our biggest talker. We've heard her say ba-ba-ba, ma-ma-ma, and da-da-da, among the other noises that she makes. She also enjoys watching, touching, and mimicking your mouth as you talk to her. She still needs a little assistance sitting up. Although she isn't crawling yet, she uses rolling to get where she wants to go. She is starting to rock a little when she's on her stomach and we discovered last week that sometimes she dances. Sometimes when the music plays on one of her toys she starts nodding her head and bumping to the music. She is quick with a smile and a laugh. She is so much fun to watch and such a happy baby.
Jane

Posing with her sleeping buddy.

Jane also loves to smile and laugh. When she is happy or excited she squeals. Sometimes when Gray gets home from work, she shakes her head back and forth and grins so that he will notice her. She loves attention. Jane is beginning to tuck her legs underneath while on her stomach and is able to scoot backwards. She is great at moving herself around and getting to the toy that she wants. She is really interested in the other babies now and likes to touch and pat them. Jane now has two teeth on the bottom and two teeth coming in on the top.

Broox

Broox is the closest to crawling. He can push up to all fours, and loves to be on his stomach moving around the mat. He is our only pacifier lover and has to have it and his green frog in order to take a nap or go to sleep at night. Broox is a big flirt and loves people. He has learned how to give hugs and likes to cuddle. He also has two teeth on bottom and two coming in on top. He likes splashing in the bath and being tickled.

Rainer

Rainer does not enjoy crawling practice and will only spend a few minutes at a time on his stomach. He is the best at sitting independently and prefers that position to any other. He loves to squeal and let out high pitched screams when he's having a great time. He loves bouncing on your knee, swinging around on your hip, dancing with you, etc. He likes to be active. He makes one hundred silly faces, and loves a bottle. Rainer has four new teeth on top and three on bottom.

My boys

The crew playing with their cool new toy from Papa and Lizzie. They love the songs it plays.
Our play room

Rainer is a bottle holder now! Broox only needs a little assistance every now and then, and the girls will be there soon.

8 Months Old!

2009-10-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick post to mark eight months for the quads. I took some pictures of them demonstrating how well they sit up in their boppys now. Enjoy!

Rainer
So cute!

A good shot of those cheeks

Virginia

Happy as can be

Virginia's famous funny face

Jane

I love this one

Broox

Too busy babbling to smile
Got One!

Looks like he's ready to take off

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-10-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

Halloween will be here soon and the quads are ready!

(L to R) Rainer, Virginia, Broox, and Jane

Birthday Weekend

2009-10-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was my birthday. My parents came up so that Gray and I could go out and enjoy the weekend as a couple while they took care of the babies. We also took advantage of the wonderful weather and the babies got their first trip to the park. Here are a few pictures of the weekend.

Happy Birthday Mama!

My beautiful birthday cake The quads love their jumpers. When they get tired they fall asleep in them just like this. If you wake them up, they keep right on jumping as if they never stopped.

Broox was the only one not napping, so he came to whole foods with us. He thought it was amazing!

Jane waits patiently for her turn.

Virginia loves to hold and look at books.

At the park

Jane and Virginia modeling their cute bonnets that Granny made.
Now that the babies are rolling and moving more, they love playing with this "crawl ball." It moves by itself and they love trying to get it.

Friends Meet the Babies

2009-10-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

A few of my friends from work came by the other day to visit me and the babies. I can't tell you how happy I was to get to talk to some adults and hear about what was going on outside of our little world. As much as I love having the opportunity to be with my babies all day each day, it can get dull at times. We aren't able to just pack up and go somewhere. I hope in the coming months that it will become possible for me to take the babies over to the park or to the zoo by myself. The moms of multiples that I talk too told me that it takes baby steps. They say to start small and make a point to get out once a week first, then twice a week and so on. On the weekends we make sure to get the babies (and me) out of the house since Gray is home to help. Unfortunately, lately, we've had beautiful weeks and rainy weekends. This one looks like it will be a nice one, so we will definitely have an outing.

Anyway, I had a great time with the girls! They came bearing gifts, and we have so enjoyed the casseroles this week. Here are a few pictures from our visit. I love these girls and I miss everyone at Central. Thank you all so much for the support and kind words you sent.

Adriane and Jane were wearing matching outfits. Adriane even stayed and helped me feed the babies supper.

Angie with Broox and Cassie with Virginia.
Trying to get a good shot of all of us.

It was great seeing you and come back soon!

A Day to Remember

2009-09-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

7 Months Old

....and looking back to 1 Day Old

Virginia
Jane

Broox

Rainer

Today the quads turned 7 months old. This is quite a milestone for us! Not only because of the birthday, but because this is the anniversary of the day that we found out about our four and saw them on an ultrasound screen for the first time. I cannot believe that a whole year has passed since that life altering doctor's visit. What was once just a bewildering idea is now our life and we are so happy in it. I never could have imagined then, just how special they would be and how much joy Broox, Jane, Virginia and Rainer would bring to Gray and me. I love each of them more than I could ever say. Happy 7 months!

I tried to take their picture this morning for documentation but they just weren't in the photo shoot mood. They do best with a group of "clowns" behind me when we do it. Today it was just me and they weren't amused with anything I was doing. I may have gotten one good one, but I thought I would also add a few of the bad so you can get an idea about what its like to get a picture of four seven month olds.

It's tough being a quad.

Not interested.

Look at me! Look at me!

BORED Boys will be Boys.

Blog Design

2009-09-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

I wanted to send out a belated thank you to my cousin Jim Schaeffer for designing my new blog page. He is extremely creative and has done all of the work for me. I have received many compliments on the new look. My blog is so much more appealing now and I can't thank you enough Jim. Jim and his partner do Web and Print design and their business is called Flowso Studio. You can find them at flowso.com. Check them out!

Closing in on 7 Months

2009-09-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

Next week, the quads turn seven months old. I wanted to share some of the things we have been up to this month, new tricks the babies are doing, and the ways that we are changing to accommodate their new skills.

More and more I am noticing the babies wanting to get up and go. They seem to be getting frustrated that they still have very limited mobility. Playing on the floor is getting dull, so they keep me constantly moving as I pick up and put down babies here and there. While they enjoy playing by themselves and exploring new things for a while, they are demanding one on one time with Mama more than ever. They are beginning to notice me with another baby. I so wish there were more of me to go around. I am looking forward to the day when they can at least sit up on their own. I can tell that they enjoy that view of the world much better, and anytime I put them in a boppy or chair they strain to sit up. I think they are very close, but they can only do it for a short while on their own before they tip over, back or to the side. They also enjoy standing on the floor or in your lap whenever possible. Rainer especially enjoys this and will often refuse to bend at the knees and sit.

I think that the coming month ,just as the sixth, is going to be full of growth for the Virginia, Rainer, Jane and Broox.

This is our new quad table!!! We absolutely love it. Papa and our friend Mr. Raymond custom built the table for the quads. This allows Gray and me to both sit at the table and each take two babies to feed. It takes up so much less room than four high chairs and we are able to feed them all at one time. I love how their little legs dangle!

Rainer, Jane, Broox and Virginia happy to be in their fancy new table.

Now that the babies have some control over their bottles, I am propping them up. This way I can feed everyone at the same time. I had to stop feeding them on the couch by myself, because they kept trying to roll off.

10 o'clock feeding today.
The babies have been enjoying game days in their Bama duds. Roll Tide!

The exersaucer has been a hit this month.

I received these cute hats before the babies were born and we decided to play dress up with them a few mornings ago. I think the babies got a kick out of them. Here is Rainer in a frog hat.

Broox as a puppy.

Virginia

Hahaha. What a face!

Jane's hat is a little big.

Honey bunny

This is the day his teeth came through and he kept his fingers in his mouth all day.

I thought these pictures on the changing tables were really cute, but unfortunately turned out dark. You can see them better if you double click on the pictures. Look at Rainer's hands in this picture. He loves to put his hands together like that all the time. It cracks me up. We like to say that he's praying for his Mama and Daddy.

Broox

Jane

Virginia

Broox is getting pretty good at holding his bottle. You have to be sitting right by him to help get the bottle back in when he drops it, but I'm trying to let him practice as much as possible. He also doesn't like to do it if he is sleepy. I think he has picked it up first because of his big hands, and because he is so good at grabbing and picking up objects. Bottle holding is going to be so much help to me.

Virginia enjoying the new jack-in-the-box.

We have not really used the Bumbo chairs until now. We decided to pull out the little trays the other day and attach them to the Bumbos with piles of toys on them. I'm glad that we did because the babies will tolerate sitting in them more now. Notice Rainer has his hands folded again.

Virginia in her doorway bouncer. She is probably the best jumper so far. Her tiny feet look precious dancing around and she is so proud of herself when she gets it moving.

Here we are outside of the Newborn Follow-Up Clinic. This clinic follows the development of premature babies during their first three years. This was our first visit and the physical therapist, pediatrician, and nutritionist were amazed at the progress the quads have made. They used to visit the babies in the hospital when they were 2 and 3 pounds and couldn't believe how much they had grown. All of the babies are in the 90th percentile for their adjusted age for development and size. Even when looking at those areas as six month olds, they are still all in the normal range.

Here are their new weights.
Broox: 18 pounds, 7 ounces
Jane: 12 pounds, 9 ounces
Virginia: 12 pounds, 12 ounces

Rainer: 15 pounds, 8 ounces

When we rolled into the clinic, they knew all of the babies names. The appointment started with pictures of each baby. We had the whole clinic to ourselves, and enjoyed the visit. What mother doesn't love to hear how well her babies are doing?

Here is Rainer standing on my lap. Rainer has both bottom teeth and you can just barely see them in this picture. He was the first to have a tooth pop through, then Jane, and yesterday Broox joined the club! I'm sure Virginia's will break through soon. She is chewing on everything.

Jane posing for the camera.

Counting the fish on her dress.

Virginia in polka dots.

Broox hanging out.

Rainer enjoying the last days of his first summer.

Zoo Trip!

2009-09-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Last week, Jane and I were both sick. She was running fever and had a bad cough and runny nose. It was difficult to keep all of the things she touched and put in her mouth away from the other babies. I was also having a hard time entertaining the three well babies, while comforting the sick one. Thankfully, I was able to recruit some great help from my parents. They made their way to Birmingham on Thursday afternoon and were here for the weekend to lend us a helping hand. Jane started feeling better on Friday and we decided to take the babies on their first trip to the zoo.

We're here! Strapped in and ready to go in their sunhats.
Here is Pal with the stroller about to enter the zoo. The lady and children to the right were just the first of the many people we met that day. The Garrett Quads and their stroller cause quite a stir in public.

It may be a few more months before the babies get into the animals. The zoo provided a great place to stroll if nothing else. Most of all I enjoyed getting out of the house. It was a beautiful day!

Three babies asleep by the time we made it to the giraffes.

Jane was the only one still awake so I took her out to get a better view of the animals. She was definitely interested in these strange creatures.

Stopping traffic at the zoo. The children were the most amazed and asked lots of questions.

Jane loved the carousel.

.....but had a fit when it was over!

Taking a pit stop at the zoo cafe.

Virginia checking out the crowd.

Jane feeling better.

Rainer is still sleeping.

"I'm awake!" "Petting zoo anyone??"

Broox and the geese.

I'm glad that the babies were able to experience so many new things on Friday. Honey and Pal got the quads a membership to the zoo, so we'll be able to visit lots this year. You definitely have to have two or three people to go, but it was well worth it. I can't wait to go back!

Jane and Virginia

2009-08-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

This is my first try at adding a video to the blog. I caught the girls playing with each other yesterday afternoon.

Doctor's Visit

2009-08-24T05:57:00.001-07:00

These are pictures from our last pediatrician appointment. The babies had their second round of immunizations. Each baby gets two shots in each leg, for a total of 16 shots! Jane, Virginia, Rainer and Broox hate them. As long as we have their bottles ready, a pacifier afterwards, and arms to hold them, they are able to settle down. The doc said that they look great!

As soon as we get there, we strip all of the babies and lay them out on the table. They weigh and measure each baby.
I think they enjoy hanging out in just their diapers for a little while.
I try to keep them entertained while we wait on the doctor. When he gets there, we start with the baby on the end. He checks them out, then we shift everyone down and place that baby at the other end. It works like an assembly line.
We brought the stroller this time instead of dragging in the carriers. The babies are just getting too big for that mode of transport. This worked much better!
Another successful appointment!

6 Months Old Today!

2009-08-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

Rainer, Virginia, Jane, and Broox

The quads are six months old today! This is a picture we took on Friday and I was thrilled to get one with all eyes open, no crying and two smiling. That can be quite a challenge with four babies. They are wearing their cute new outfits that Annie brought them from New York. We are now in Brewton for the week awaiting my best friends wedding on Saturday. It's much easier to pack the babies up for a week than for a weekend. No matter how long you are staying, you have to take the same things, so you might as well make it worth your while. Of course, I love being here with all of my family, and so do the babies.

I've been looking back at some of the first pictures we ever took of Rainer, Virginia, Jane and Broox and the difference in their size and looks in just six months is unbelievable. I remember thinking that the clothes they are wearing now probably wouldn't fit them until they were crawling or walking! Broox is now 17 pounds, Rainer is 15 and the girls are both right around 12. I'm really starting to notice my achy back and sore shoulders at the end of each day. I don't know what I'll do when they get much bigger! At every stage we have to adjust and learn new ways to do things. It seems like the minute we get used to the way things are, they are doing something new, or there is a new tooth (Rainer has gotten the first one!), or someone doesn't want to sit in their bouncy seat anymore. I'm sure this is the way it is for all new parents and it's what makes this first year so full of excitement, and anticipation.The sad part of having quadruplets is that they are the only babies that we'll ever have, so when they grow up, it's all over. It is passing in a flash. Through all of the hustle and bustle, I'm trying to take the time to stop and enjoy all of these moments, even the sometimes difficult ones.

A New Stage

2009-08-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a good week. I've been trying to figure out the babies' napping schedule. The girls are great nappers, but the boys just aren't that interested. Then, by four o'clock they are very fussy until they get their bottle at six and hit the hay. The babies are now sleeping at night, however, so that is the most important thing to us. They are almost six months old and it is such a fun age! They are really starting to reach out for the things that they want and are great at grasping rings and shaking rattles. They are constantly moving their bodies and everyone is flipping over now except for Broox, but he is very close. He is trying hard and keeps lifting his body to the half way point, but can't quite make it over. Because he uses the one arm over and over, he just ends up turning his body in circles on the mat. He gives it a good shot before he lets me know that he is done! I'm sure it will be any day now. The babies were introduced to the exersaucer this week and the boys give it a big thumbs up. I think Jane and Virginia are still a little too small. They seemed kind of nervous and couldn't steady their bodies that well. I'm excited for them to have a new toy. I feel like they must be getting somewhat tired of the dangling toys and are ready for a new challenge. All of the babies are eating rice cereal at night now too. Broox is our best eater. He loves it and fusses if you can't get it into his mouth as quickly as he would like you to. Virginia is also turning into a good little eater as well. She sees the spoon coming, opens up her mouth and sticks her tongue out. It's very cute. Not much of the food stays in her mouth, but we're getting there. Rainer and Jane are progressing, but still haven't quite caught on to opening their mouth for the spoon. I'm even beginning to notice the babies notice each other for the first time. Every now and again one will see the other and start babbling and smiling to get their attention. This morning Broox and Rainer were making eye contact and smiling at each other. It was so sweet. I can already tell that this will be one of my favorite parts of having multiples. I am having the best time watching what they do from day to day. I can't imagine the changes we'll see in the coming month!

Today I took some pictures of the babies during their bath time.

Rainer

Broox

Jane

Virginia

Broox the Lion

Rainer the Frog

Jane the Lamb

Virginia the Duck

Lake Babies

2009-07-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry it has been such a very long time since I've given an update on the quads. I haven't been able to find the time lately, but I'm hoping to do much better. Now that the babies are sleeping better at night, maybe I can spend more time blogging and less time sleeping during their naps.

Virginia, Jane, Rainer and Broox are doing great! They are growing right before our eyes. On our last visit to the pediatrician their weights were Broox (14 pounds and 4 oz.), Jane (9 pounds and 5 oz.), Virginia (9 pounds and 14 oz.) and Rainer (11 pounds adn 13 oz.). That was on the 10th of July so they are even bigger now. They shared their 5 month birthday at the Garrett's lake house on their very first trip to Lake Martin. They didn't exactly get the full lake experience, but I could tell that they liked the change of pace and it was fun to see them in a place that I know they will spend lots of time in and love as much as we do.

We did a lot of rocking on the porch, strolling, and playing in the house. They took outside baths in the baby pool and loved it. Honey and Pal stayed with us the first part of the week and then Lizzie and Papa for the latter half. It was a beautiful weekend and Gray and I enjoyed time on the boat and in the water.

The babies are now sleeping from around seven at night to six thirty or seven in the morning, except for Broox. He gets up much earlier than the others and during the night and still gets an extra feeding at night. We are having trouble with the boys waking up in the middle of the night when they bust out of their swaddles. They sleep soundly until they work an arm or a leg out and then they cry until we rewrap them and put a pacifier in their mouths. Then, they go right back to sleep until it happens an hour or two later. We tried the sleep sacks last night where their arms are already out and it didn't work either. Wrapping them back up is still much easier than getting everyone up and feeding them and the whole thing, but it would be great if we could figure this out. Do any of you mothers have any tips? Virginia is our only baby so far that will fall asleep without a swaddle and not wake up. Any advice would be very helpful.

Here are some new pictures from the lake. Me and Broox, Honey and Jane, Katie and Virginia, "Miss" Margaret and Rainer on the porch at the lake house.

Jane was not enjoying the photo shoot in the top picture. Here is one of Virginia by herself.

Here are two happy girls (L Jane and R Virginia), in their matching summer outfits from Annie, enjoying some time on the porch.

A morning stroll at the lake. These double strollers are still a little large for our gang, but work great when you have a friend to walk with.

The warm day and the rocking were making the babies sleepy.

Uncle Marshall's sweetheart, Katie, and Virginia. She lives in Alex City now and was just a short drive away. The babies loved seeing her.

Annie visiting Jane at the lake.

"Miss" Margaret meeting the quads.

Yay, for outdoor baths! Virginia enjoyed splashing around in the baby pool.

Can you tell who tolerates the camera the best?

I just love Rainer's wide grins!

Looks like he's up to something.

A nap has never felt so good! Broox above and Jane below relaxing at the lake.

This is how we spend the majority of our days, playing on the activity mats. They love reaching for and babbling to their toys.

All the girls!

My big boy.

Happy 4th of July from the Garrett Quads!

2009-07-04T15:53:00.001-07:00

It has been a great 4th of July weekend. Gray had Friday off and we spent the day playing with the babies and doing a little house work in between. Lizzie and Papa dropped in for Friday night on their way to Charleston, and they volunteered to stay with and feed the babies so that Gray and I could have a date. We went out and had dinner and didn't even have to worry about being back before 9:00. We had such a good time! We are always so grateful for time together and a little break from the daily grind. Today we swapped turns taking naps and were even able to watch a whole movie during the babies' nap. We have had a good time dressing the babies up in their 4th of July outfits and documenting their very first of the holiday. They are in the bed now and Gray is cooking us dinner. I think we are learning how to adjust to our new life with four babies and things are becoming a little more normal and routine. The babies are still eating at 6:00 p.m. and we're putting them down at 7:00 p.m. They sleep until 9:00 or 9:30 and we feed them again before the go down for the night. Jane and Virginia have been sleeping through the night for about a week now, and it has made the biggest difference in the world! The boys get up anywhere from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and we feed them again. They usually wake up in the morning around 6:00 a.m. I'm hopeful that they will soon be sleeping longer as well. It's amazing what a little more sleep will do for you. I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday. Happy 4th!

Brewton Bound!

2009-06-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Sleepy Annie with all of the sleepy babies. This is how we all feel at the end of the day.

Papa and Uncle Kirk

Pal and Lizzy

"Miss" Joan and Broox

Grandmama and Rainer

Shelley meeting the babies!

Broox loves Brewton!

Friends from the Church meeting the quads for the first time.

Daddy strolling the babies in the fellowship hall to keep them entertained.

Aunt Candy visiting with Broox.

Mama Merle says we can have two more children but that is enough! :) (She is a mother of six children)

Rainer meets Uncle Bob

Granny and Jane

Cousin Ryan and Aunt Leah

Cousin Brooke and Pal

Aunt Leah brings Jane inside.

This will last us about two or three days.

The babies' luggage.

Rainer taking a nap in his Brewton crib.

Snoozing Broox

Uncle Marshall is so much help! He helped Honey feed the babies at 7:00 a.m. so that I could catch some Zs.

Steely with Rainer.

Coley and Grace help with the 3:00 feeding. They are naturals.

Aunt Gray and Granny

The babies waiting to go on their trip.

Rainer

Broox

Virginia

Jane

Gray worked the morning away preparing the Quad mobile for its destination.

This is how we transport the Runabout.

They are all in their carseats and finally ready to go.

Here we go!

Gray passed the car seats to me and I clicked them in the back. It's definitely a two person job.

Jane enjoying the ride.

Rainer

Virginia looking out of her window.

Last Saturday the babies took their very first road trip to Brewton, our hometown. We started three days in advance to prepare for the trip. We made a master list of everything the babies need from morning to night and started packing. We threw all of their clothes, burp cloths, changing pads, diapers, wipes, formula, washcloths, bottles, bibs, boppies, activitiy mats, blankets, etc. into a huge duffle bag. Our friend Ruth took down everything that could be taken a day early to Brewton on Friday. On Saturday morning, Gray was busy attaching the luggage carrier on top of our car and hooking the Runabout on the back, while I entertained babies in the den and threw in the last odds and ends. We fed the babies at 11:00 a.m and then put them in the carseats for the big trip. We planned the trip during their naptime in hopes that the babies would just sleep the three hours to Brewton. We loaded the carseats in the back of the expedition and headed out. I'm able to sit between the two carseats in the back and I'm able to see all four babies at the same time. They were all asleep by the time we merged onto the interstate. Our stroller was attached to the back of our car so everyone that passed us was staring, smiling and checking to see if there really were four babies with us. The quads were angels on the way to Brewton. The only time they fussed was when we had to stop for gas and food. They woke up just short of the city limits as their 3:00 feeding drew near. When we pulled up to my parents house my Aunt, Uncle and cousins were here. Everyone quickly grabbed a baby, and the bottles that Honey had heating in her crock pot were in their mouths in a matter of minutes. Success!

We have now been in Brewton for six days and are having a ball. The Quads have met lots of friends and family and I have enjoyed all of the help and relief. Gray is in Birmingham working and said that the house is too quiet. The babies and I can't wait to see him this weekend.

Pictures Galore

2009-06-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of Gray and Jane. It wasn't very long ago that his ring fit all the way down her arm! She is really growing up. The babies love playing with Daddy when he gets home.
My cousins Jim (R) and Wes (L) came to visit the quads while Aunt Anne was with us this week. They are experts at feeding babies and burping...and so cute! The babies love company!
Broox dozing during awake time. Hmmmm...what to do?

Virginia in a cute lady bug suit. The air conditioner went out this day so they laid out under the fan in summer clothes!

Jane in the dress that Marie bought her. What a little lady!

Rainer during awake time trying to decide if he'll tolerate the bouncy seat. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't that day. :)

A beautiful smile from Virginia. She smiles the most right now out of all of our children. She was even grinning at me as I put her back to bed in the middle of the night. Their gummy grins are my favorite thing right now!

Here is what the babies like to do in the morning. I call it their coffee talk (minus the caffeine...they don't need it.)

Here are the babies in a pile on the sofa as we get everything ready to feed them. They are not their happiest at this time. They think they are starving! 5 minutes later is the most quiet time of the day when each one is working on their bottle.

The Quad Runabout is Here! We caught some attention in the neighborhood and took the babies to meet the neighbors.

This stroller is amazing. It maneuvers so well and the babies really enjoy it as long as we're moving. Unfortunately, our street is on a steep hill. I'm going to have to build my stamina to make it to the top.

Broox and Rainer getting ready to ride. Look at Rainer peeking through the headrest.

Everyone is buckled in and ready to go!

Pal and Papa making sure that everyone is safe and secure.

A photo with Broox before Gray and I went out to run errands. Honey and Pal stayed with the babies.Pal and Rainer taking a nap. That is Rainer's favorite spot.

Broox in a big boy bed.

Katie and Broox spending time together.

Rainer and me after the doctor's appointment.

Marshall with the boys. They are going to love hanging out with Uncle Marshall!

Baby Central

Jane snoozing.

Jane and Jane. Honey has been talking about sneaking a baby out in her purse since they were in the NICU. We caught her just before she finally did it.

What do we do all day?

2009-05-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

Well, my day goes something like this. Gray and I wake up at 7:00 a.m. or before depending on how the babies are sleeping. While Gray hops in the shower to get ready for work, I busily pop the bottles in the crock pot to warm, gather burp cloths, bibs, and pacifiers and set up pillows and boppys in the living room. I then change the babies and put them in position for feeding. I usually place two babies in boppys on either side of me, and then place the two that will be fed first on a firm pillow in my lap. After they eat and burp, I swap their positions and begin again. After everyone is done (usually about an hour to an hour and a half later) I put them back in the bed for a morning nap.

I then run the dish washer, start a load of laundry and try to get a shower before the 11:00 feeding. Twice this week I have gone back to bed until 11:00 to catch up on the sleep that we lose at night. At 11:00 we do it all again, but this time I line them up in swings and bouncy seats for their awake time. I then attempt to entertain them so that they will stay awake until nap time. I read them books, talk to them, shake rattles, sing, etc. to keep them awake. After that, they take another nap until around 3:00 p.m. During that time, I eat lunch, continue laundry, make fresh formula and pour 20 bottles. On Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, I give them baths, so I also prepare for that. They sleep really well after taking a bath and love them!

Gray gets home at around 5:00 p.m. and I can go run an errand or get out of the house for a little bit. At 6:00 we feed them again, but of course it goes much more smoothly with two people. After that, we eat dinner and relax until 9:00. We feed them again at 9:00 and go directly to bed.

Night time is still pretty tough for the babies. We are trying to train them to sleep from 10:00 until 3:00a.m. but it has yet to happen. They usually crank up around one and we share turns popping up and down to soothe babies. Usually we can hold them off until right around 3:00 a.m. We feed them in a dark room very quietly, and tuck them back in. For the most part they go back to sleep pretty easily after that feeding, but we've had a couple of nights when it took an hour. When they do get to sleep they usually make it until 7:00.

We certainly look forward to the day that they can sleep through the night. Even sleeping for four hours at a time at night would help tremendously. I know we have a long way to go, but the way the time is passing, it will be here in no time. We are going to be calling in the troops again for the next few weeks. My mother is coming next Tuesday to help and Liz and Broox will be here next weekend. Despite the sleepiness, Gray and I are enjoying every minute with our babies (maybe not the middle of the night minutes)! :) They are growing right in front of our eyes and I laugh out loud daily at one of their expressions, or babbles or personalities unfolding. It is so hard to believe that they will be 3 months old next week. Look how big they are now!

Rainer watching me entertain.

Virginia has become fascinated with the bear mobile.

Jane enjoying the swing.

The boys

This is where I typically sit the babies after I finish feeding them. I then precede to read to them, shake rattles, sing and dance to try and keep them awake until the end of the hour.

Broox being a cutie pie.

Jane and Virginia. It looks like they're telling secrets.

"Put that down and get my bottle!"

Hanging out with daddy.

Gray and me at Jacksons in Homewood. We got to go out with my mother, grandmother, aunt and cousin while Marie and Charity were watching the babies. We had so much fun, and it was great to get out of the house.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

(Rainer, Virginia, Jane and Broox)

The Fab Four

Daddy and Babies

Jane was too tired to participate. She had just had her 2 oz. and she was out.

This is a great feeling! All four of your children in your arms at once. I know I won't be able to keep them there long.

Happy Mother’s Day! I am so proud to be a part of the club. We’ve had a wonderful week with Marie and Charity here with us. They have been here helping with the babies and still have one more week to spend with us. The babies are really doing well with the suggestions they have made and are sleeping much longer in the night than before. Marie is hoping that Broox will be sleeping through the night by the time she leaves. I’m already ecstatic that they are only having to eat at 9:30 p.m. and then not again until around 3:00 a.m. and then back to bed until 7:00 a.m. She has also been able to work out their reflux issues and other causes of fussiness.

They are all growing so fast! No one is wearing preemie clothes any longer. Broox and Jane’s eyes are getting lighter and bluer, while Rainer and Virginias are getting darker. For the first time the other night when I was talking and smiling at Rainer he smiled right back at me! It’s amazing to see them interact with you like that. These pictures were taken today, and they will be 11 weeks old tomorrow. Time is just flying by.

For Mother’s Day, Gray and the babies gave me a beautiful amethyst ring to represent their birth month, and Marie cooked us a delicious lunch to celebrate. I had such a special day and look forward to this first year as a mother. I had the best example in the world for motherhood in my own mother. I can only hope to be just like her.

It's Quad a Life

2009-04-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Jane and Virginia waiting for their bottles. We can feed both of them at the same time in this chair. Thanks Mary!

Hanging out after a bath in their precious monogrammed suits from Aunt Anne.

Activity Mat with "Wubba Nubs." They love these pacifiers with the stuffed animals on the end. It's so cute when they grab onto the toy. They don't fall out all of the time like the others, which we love about them too!

Having fun moving and shaking! (Jane and Rainer)

The nursery in our new house.

Rainer is going to be a computer whiz. He was glued to that screen.

I've got thirty minutes until the babies' next feeding and I'm determined to get some new pics posted. Things are going well here at the Garrett household. We are a very happy bunch and are having so much fun. Gray was able to take some time off from work this week and we have really had a good time being by ourselves as a family for the first time.

We have been keeping the babies on a four hour schedule and so far it works better in the day. Jane and Virginia are happy to wait that long to eat and usually fall back asleep quickly. Broox however is sleeping about an hour and a half after eating and then getting up again, and Rainer likes to get up an hour before feeding time. They refuse to go back to sleep at that point. We usually have to take them to the den and continually rock them and give them a pacifier while they wait it out. This makes us very tired and them very fussy. Hopefully, they will soon decide it's just not worth it and sleep until feeding time! :)

The babies all had their 2 month well visits over the last two weeks and got great reports! Their new weights are:

Broox: 7 pounds 7 ounces

Rainer: 6 pounds 2 ounces

Virginia: 5 pounds 3 ounces

Jane: 4 pounds 14 ounces

We won't be going again until next month, when they'll receive their immunizations. We're taking the whole crew next time, and I have no idea where they will put us. It is already a tight squeeze in the examination room with two babies and two car seats.

A New Chapter

2009-04-20T17:03:00.001-07:00

Rainer
VirginiaJane
We love our Boppys!

Broox

The night before we brought Jane home.

Jane

Uncle Marshall feeding Broox.

This is where the babies spend a lot of their time right now. On their way to their new home.

Pal and Honey are old pros.

Bottle Time with lots of great help. (Daddy, Mama, and Broox)

Jane's Turn

Taking Jane home and our last trip to the hospital!

She was not happy with the carseat.

About to join her brothers and sister again.

The Garrett Quads!

Isn't Broox a great big brother?!

Tummy Time (No one was really interested on this day)

Virginia and Jane love to cuddle up at night. This is how I find them when it's time to eat.

Broox with his fingers interlaced. What a smart boy!

It's only been a little over a week since my last post, but it feels like at least three! Since last Sunday, we have packed up our old house, brought our fourth infant home from the hospital, had a new house painted, strategically moved everything we own to our new house around four babies, unpacked and unpacked and unpacked, diapered and fed Jane, Rainer, Virginia and Broox every three hours, went to the pediatrician, spent time with our parents....it wears me out just thinking about it again. All in all we have had a very successful week. I really cannot believe what we were able to accomplish in that amount of time. It has been quite a whirlwind but with the help of our parents it went smoothly. We are now settling into our new home with all of our babies here with us finally!

Jane was able to come home on Tuesday of last week. We agreed with our nurses when they said that Jane just wanted to have her own "big day" and wasn't about to share it with one of her siblings. She adjusted right away to being home and now it seems as if the babies were never apart.

Now that we are with them 24/7 their personalities are really starting to shine. They are all so unique and special. I love getting to know them better everyday. I will post more soon about our daily lives with quadruplets now that we are beginning to get caught up.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

Three's Company

2009-04-09T19:34:00.001-07:00

Rainer made it! He had 5 successful days with no "Bradys", so we were able to take our second little boy home. I can't tell you how good it feels every time one is released from the hospital. Even on our third time, I am still thrilled and amazed as we drive home that they are letting us keep them. It's an overwhelming feeling to know that your whole life's happiness is sitting in your back seat for the first time. I think Rainer is happy to be home now with his brother and sister.
Rainer on his way to the elevators.

The hand-off. He's all ours now!

That's one proud papa.

Welcome to your new home.

Three babies snug in their crib. I can't wait to see four little heads soon.

Our sweet little Jane. She was scheduled to go home today with Rainer, but started dropping her temperature this morning. They put her back in the isolette temporarily and have decided to wean her into a crib a little more gradually this time. The nurse still says that she should be home by the end of the week. She is an amazing little girl. She is now four pounds, which means she has doubled her size since birth. It was sad to leave her all by herself, but she was all smiles when we left.

Things at home are going great thanks to the help of our mothers. We have learned to feed two babies at a time and will have some experimenting to do tonight with a third thrown into the mix. Right now we are feeding the babies every three hours which makes 24 bottles a day. We also diaper them each time we feed and sometimes in between if they need it. By the time Jane gets home, we'll be going through 2 packs of diapers a day. We don't know what to expect when they all get home, but we're looking forward to the day.

Virginia's Big Day

2009-04-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

Virginia was able to check out of the CCN today and come home to us and her big brother. Last week they decided to significantly up her feeds since her heart murmur appeared to be improving. She was so happy to get more food and handled the extra beautifully. Yesterday the did an echo and saw that the hole was closed up and she was ready to go home. We're very glad to have another of our children home and closer to having our whole family together.

Wheeling Virginia to the elevators.
She was very peaceful through the whole thing.

Leaving the hospital

Getting her ready for the carseat.

Gray and Kirk babysat Broox while we picked up his sister.

Virginia and Broox taking their first nap together.

I think they are going to be great friends.

Jane and Rainer are both in cribs now. We look forward to them coming home in the next couple of weeks. They are still doing great!

It won't be long before she comes home too.

Rainer loves his new crib! We can't wait for him to have his big day.